Top 10 Destinations for Group Travel in 2026: Best Places for Unforgettable Adventures

Planning a group trip and can't decide where to go? The destination can make or break the experience. You need a place that offers diverse activities, good value, easy logistics, and enough excitement to keep everyone happy.

Whether you're organizing a trip with existing friends or finding travel buddies online, these 10 destinations have been rated as the best for group travel in 2026.

What Makes a Great Group Travel Destination?

Key Criteria

Diverse Activities Something for everyone: adventure, culture, relaxation, nightlife.

Good Infrastructure Reliable transportation, accommodation options, tourist services.

Value for Money Affordable for groups with varying budgets.

Safety Low crime rates, good healthcare, traveler-friendly.

Social Atmosphere Easy to meet other travelers, vibrant social scene.

Group-Friendly Logistics Easy visa process, group discounts available, accessibility.

1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Why It's Perfect for Groups

Portugal's capital has exploded as a top destination for group travelers, especially digital nomads and young adventurers.

Highlights:

• Affordable European capital – Restaurant meals from €8, hostels from €15
• Amazing food scene – Pastéis de nata, fresh seafood, wine tasting
• Vibrant nightlife – Bairro Alto, Pink Street, rooftop bars
• Day trip options – Sintra, Cascais, beaches
• Co-working culture – Perfect for remote workers

Best Group Activities:

• Tram 28 tour together
• Sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina
• Group surf lessons in Ericeira
• Food tour in Alfama
• Pub crawl in Bairro Alto

Budget: €€ (Mid-range) Best Time: April-May, September-October Group Size: Works for any size (2-20+)

Pro Tip: Stay in Baixa or Chiado for central location accessible to everyone's interests.

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2. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩

Digital Nomad Paradise

Bali has become THE destination for groups mixing work and travel.

Why Groups Love It:

• Incredibly affordable – Villas split between friends cost $10-20/person/night
• Coworking spaces – Dojo, Hubud, Outpost
• Adventure activities – Surfing, diving, volcano hikes
• Wellness focus – Yoga, meditation, healthy cafes
• Social scene – Easy to meet other travelers

Best Group Activities:

• Villa rental with private pool (split costs)
• Sunrise hike up Mount Batur
• Island hopping to Nusa Penida
• Scooter tour through rice terraces
• Beach club days in Canggu

Regional Diversity:

• Ubud: Culture, yoga, rice terraces
• Canggu: Surfing, digital nomads, nightlife
• Seminyak: Beach clubs, upscale dining
• Uluwatu: Cliffs, temples, epic surf

Budget: € (Budget-friendly) Best Time: April-October (dry season) Group Size: 4-8 (perfect for villa rental)

Visa: 30-day visa on arrival, extendable

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3. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Culture Meets Party

Gaudi architecture, Mediterranean beaches, world-class food, and legendary nightlife.

Group Appeal:

• Walkable city – Easy to explore together
• Beach access – Barceloneta for relaxation
• Incredible food – Tapas crawls, markets, Michelin stars
• Nightlife – Clubs don't start until 2am
• Day trips – Montserrat, Costa Brava, wine country

Best Group Activities:

• Sagrada Familia tour
• Park Güell picnic
• Las Ramblas to Gothic Quarter walk
• Tapas tour in El Born
• Beach volleyball at Barceloneta
• Camp Nou stadium tour (for football fans)

Budget: €€ (Mid-range, but can be done budget) Best Time: May-June, September Group Size: Any (2-20+)

Warning: Pickpocketing is common. Stay aware in tourist areas.

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4. Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭

Budget Adventure Hub

Thailand's northern capital offers incredible value and diverse experiences.

Why It Works:

• Ultra-affordable – $20/day budgets possible
• Adventure base – Trekking, ziplining, elephant sanctuaries
• Food paradise – Street food, cooking classes, markets
• Temple culture – Over 300 temples
• Digital nomad scene – Coworking, networking events

Best Group Activities:

• Cooking class together
• Doi Suthep temple visit
• Night market exploration
• Multi-day trek to hill tribes
• Ethical elephant sanctuary
• Thai massage course

Budget: € (Very budget-friendly) Best Time: November-February (cool season) Group Size: 3-10 ideal

Bonus: Easy to split costs when everything's cheap.

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5. Iceland 🇮🇸

Epic Adventure Destination

For groups who want jaw-dropping nature and unique experiences.

Group Advantages:

• Rental car split – Expensive solo, affordable split 4 ways
• Shared accommodation – Cottages and guesthouses
• Adventure activities – Better with companions
• Safety in numbers – Remote landscapes
• Photo ops – Everyone becomes Instagram photographer

Best Group Activities:

• Golden Circle road trip
• Blue Lagoon (book group rate)
• Northern Lights hunting
• Ice cave exploration
• Glacier hiking
• Snorkeling between tectonic plates

Budget: €€€ (Expensive, but splitting helps) Best Time: June-August (summer), September-March (Northern Lights) Group Size: 4-6 (fits one rental car/van)

Cost Tip: Self-catering and camping dramatically reduce costs.

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6. Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽

Cultural Immersion on a Budget

Massive city with endless neighborhoods to explore, incredible food, and rich history.

Why Groups Thrive:

• Affordable luxury – Nice restaurants under $15/person
• Diverse neighborhoods – Something for every interest
• Arts & culture – Museums, murals, galleries
• Food scene – From street tacos to fine dining
• Day trips – Teotihuacan, Puebla, Taxco

Best Group Activities:

• Street food tour in Roma Norte
• Teotihuacan pyramids sunrise tour
• Xochimilco boat party (trajineras)
• Frida Kahlo museum in Coyoacán
• Lucha Libre wrestling night
• Mezcal tasting

Budget: € (Budget-friendly) Best Time: March-May, October-November Group Size: Any size works

Safety Note: Stick to tourist-friendly neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco).

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7. New Zealand 🇳🇿

Ultimate Road Trip Destination

Both islands offer stunning landscapes perfect for group adventures.

Group Benefits:

• Campervan adventures – Split rental costs
• Adventure capital – Queenstown activities
• Stunning drives – Every route is scenic
• Outdoor paradise – Hiking, kayaking, skiing
• Safe & easy – English-speaking, excellent infrastructure

Best Group Activities:

• Milford Sound cruise
• Skydiving in Queenstown
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike
• Hobbiton movie set tour
• Bungee jumping (peer pressure!)
• Wine tasting in Marlborough

Budget: €€€ (Pricey, but splitting helps) Best Time: December-February (summer), June-August (skiing) Group Size: 2-6 (campervan capacity)

Must-Do: South Island road trip (2 weeks minimum).

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8. Croatia 🇭🇷

Mediterranean Beauty Without Italian Prices

Stunning coastline, historic cities, and island hopping – Europe's best-kept secret.

Group Appeal:

• Island hopping – Split boat rental or ferry costs
• Sailing trips – Group charters affordable
• Beach paradise – Crystal clear Adriatic
• Historic cities – Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar
• Great value – Cheaper than Western Europe

Best Group Activities:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park hike
• Dubrovnik Old Town walk
• Hvar nightlife
• Kornati Islands sailing trip
• Game of Thrones filming locations tour
• Beach hopping in Split

Budget: €€ (Mid-range) Best Time: May-June, September (avoid July-August crowds) Group Size: 4-8 (perfect for boat charter)

Insider Tip: Rent a sailboat with skipper – unforgettable group experience.

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9. Japan 🇯🇵

Cultural Wonderland

Unique culture, incredible food, and experiences you can't find anywhere else.

Why It's Great for Groups:

• Excellent public transport – Easy group navigation
• Safety – One of the world's safest countries
• Unique experiences – Temples, shrines, robot restaurants
• Food culture – Izakayas perfect for sharing
• Diverse cities – Tokyo energy, Kyoto tradition, Osaka food

Best Group Activities:

• Shibuya crossing scramble
• Senso-ji temple visit
• Karaoke night in Tokyo
• Fushimi Inari shrine at sunrise
• Osaka street food tour
• Onsen (hot spring) experience

Budget: €€ (Mid-range, accommodation can be expensive) Best Time: March-May (cherry blossoms), October-November (fall colors) Group Size: 2-6 ideal

Cultural Note: Learn basic etiquette – respect goes a long way.

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10. Colombia 🇨🇴

South America's Rising Star

Transformed from no-go to must-go, Colombia offers incredible diversity and value.

Group Advantages:

• Extremely affordable – Stretch your budget far
• Diverse landscapes – Caribbean, Andes, Amazon
• Vibrant cities – Medellín transformation, Cartagena beauty
• Coffee culture – Tours and tastings
• Friendly locals – Colombians love group travelers

Best Group Activities:

• Salsa dancing in Cali
• Cartagena Old Town exploration
• Cocora Valley hike (world's tallest palm trees)
• Coffee plantation tour
• Tayrona National Park beach camping
• Comuna 13 graffiti tour in Medellín

Budget: € (Very budget-friendly) Best Time: December-March (dry season) Group Size: 4-8 recommended for safety

Safety Update: Tourist areas are now very safe, but travel in groups for peace of mind.

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Choosing the Right Destination for Your Group

Match Destination to Group Type

Adventure Seekers: Iceland, New Zealand, Bali (surfing/diving)

Budget Travelers: Thailand, Colombia, European budget destinations

Digital Nomads: Lisbon, Bali, Chiang Mai, Mexico City

Culture & History: Japan, Barcelona, Croatia

Party Groups: Barcelona, Lisbon, Bali (Canggu), Croatia (Hvar)

Nature Lovers: Iceland, New Zealand, Colombia (Tayrona)

Group Size Considerations

Pairs (2 people): Any destination works. Maximum flexibility.

Small Groups (3-5): Ideal for most destinations. Fits one car/apartment.

Medium Groups (6-10): Great for villas (Bali), boat charters (Croatia), van rentals (Iceland).

Large Groups (10+): Cities work best (Barcelona, Lisbon). Consider organized tours or multiple accommodations.

Planning Your Group Trip

Decision-Making Process

1. Survey the Group

   • Budget range
   • Activity preferences
   • Dates available
   • Deal-breakers

2. Narrow to Top 3

   • Present options with budgets
   • Vote or discuss pros/cons
   • Final decision together

3. Book Strategically

   • Refundable accommodations initially
   • Lock in flights during sales
   • Activities closer to dates

Pro Tip: Use miigo to find travel buddies already planning trips to these destinations. Join existing groups or create your own!

Emerging Destinations for 2026

Worth Watching

Albania – Europe's last secret (for now) Georgia – Wine, mountains, incredible value Oman – Middle East adventure without crowds Madagascar – Unique wildlife and landscapes Slovenia – Austria/Italy vibes, half the price

Making the Most of Any Destination

Universal Group Travel Tips

Accommodation Strategy:

• Central location > cheaper outskirts
• Private rooms > dorms for group cohesion
• Kitchen access for budget meals

Activity Planning:

• 2-3 group activities per day max
• Build in free time
• Allow opt-outs without guilt

Group Dynamics:

• Regular check-ins about plans
• Respect different energy levels
• Split up occasionally – it's healthy

Money Management:

• Use expense-splitting apps
• Settle up weekly, not end-of-trip
• Clear budget expectations

Finding Your Travel Group

Already Have a Group?

Share this article and vote on destinations!

Looking for Travel Companions?

miigo connects you with travelers heading to these exact destinations. Filter by:

• Destination preference
• Budget range
• Travel dates
• Activity interests
• Group size preference

Many miigo groups form specifically around destination-focused trips. Join a Bali villa rental group, Iceland road trip crew, or Barcelona adventure squad.

Final Thoughts

The world is full of incredible destinations perfect for group travel. The "best" place depends entirely on your group's interests, budget, and travel style.

What matters most isn't the destination – it's the people you're traveling with and the experiences you create together.

Ready to plan your next group adventure? Join miigo to find your perfect travel companions for any of these amazing destinations. Connect with verified travelers, browse existing group trips, or create your own adventure.

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Which destination is on your group travel bucket list? Have you been to any of these? Share your experiences!